Sleep sensor
According to one embodiment, a sleep sensor which is attached to a user who is sleeping when it is to be used is provided. The sleep sensor includes a first detector, an estimation module, a second detector and a control module. The first detector is configured to detect an acceleration signal representing acceleration that is obtained from the sleep sensor. The estimation module is configured to estimate the user's body position based on the detected acceleration signal. The second detector is configured to detect a signal for estimating a state other than the user's body position. The control module is configured to operate the second detector when the estimated user's body position is at least one of predefined body positions.
1. A sleep sensor which is attachable to a user who is sleeping when it is to be used, the sleep sensor detecting snoring for monitoring a respiratory state of the user and comprising:
a first sensor configured to detect an acceleration signal representing acceleration that acts on the sleep sensor;
a second sensor configured to detect a signal for estimating the state of the user; and
a processor configured to:
estimate the user's body position based on the detected acceleration signal, and
operate the second sensor when the estimated user's body position is at least one of predefined body positions, wherein:
the acceleration signal detected by the first sensor includes a direct-current component representing gravitational acceleration that acts on the sleep sensor,
the second sensor includes a microphone having directivity to a side of an attachment surface of the sleep sensor and configured to detect an intracorporeal sound signal which is generated in accordance with the user's respiratory state as a signal for estimating the user's respiratory state, and
the processor is further configured to:
determine whether a direction of the gravitational acceleration agrees with the directivity of the microphone in the estimated user's body position,
power on the microphone when the direction of the gravitational acceleration agrees with the directivity of the microphone in the estimated user's body position, and
power off the microphone when the direction of the gravitational acceleration does not agree with the directivity of the microphone.